Two Bicton College floristry students have won Young Florist of the Year medals at the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show. 

Charlotte Murrant, 20, studying a Level 3 Diploma in Floristry won a Silver-Gilt and Lauren Curry, 22, studying for a Master Diploma of Professional Floristry [NDSF] was awarded a Bronze for designs of Jockey Silks in the prestigious competition open to florists between the ages of 16 and 25 years. 

Watch Lauren's interview:

Bicton College principal, David Henley says, “Bicton College is extremely proud of Charlotte and Lauren who have worked incredibly hard to achieve medals in a world class competition. Our floristry tutors give students the skills and confidence to enter and succeed in major competitions undoubtedly improving their career prospects and their reputation as florists.”

First time competitor Charlotte Murrant from Taunton qualified for Chelsea Flower Show by winning a qualifying round with a bridal bouquet designed for a wedding in an Ice Hotel. Charlotte says, “It was amazing just to visit Chelsea Flower show, I had never considered myself good enough to compete there so I was just happy to take part. To win the Silver-Gilt medal was incredible and has really given me a taste for competing – I will definitely return next year to see if I can keep on winning. I have had nothing but support and encouragement from my Bicton College tutor Clive Moorhead and my employer Jane Cowling at EDEN - Taunton Floral Design who have both played a huge part in my success at Chelsea.”

Bicton College floristry tutor Clive Moorhead NDSF said, “Charlotte is an outstanding florist with great creativity and technical expertise and an exciting future. It is a major achievement to have won a medal at Chelsea Flower Show.” 

Competing for the third time, Bronze medallist Lauren Curry from Christchurch, Dorset achieved a silver gilt medal in the same competition in 2010. She says, “My bronze medal will keep the Silver- Gilt from last year company, and now I only need a silver, gold and a best in show to complete the collection. I am learning from this experience and hope to be back next year to try again.”

Bicton College floristry tutor Sarah Hills-Ingyon NDSF FSF, herself a Chelsea medallist, said, ‘Lauren is a very talented student who has managed to carry on her competition work and start her own business at the same time as attending her course - it is not easy and has been a balancing act for her to achieve this excellence.

She continues, “The Jockey Silks brief was a very difficult schedule indeed, so both women have proved themselves in an incredibly tough competition.”

To find out more about the floristry courses at Bicton College book a place on the Bicton Course Advice Day, Saturday 25th June. To book call 01395 562409 or email slo@bicton.ac.uk  

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